GMAT score flagged

Question

Hi everyone, I took the online gmat fe last friday (April 4), almost a month after I originally took it (March 10). My score improved from 615 to 695 not because of a large difference in prep but just calmness and not stressing. My score was instantly (in around 30 minutes) was flagged for review. I had no issues at all throughout the test but am still pretty stressed out after reading some horror stories on here.

I intend to apply for the deferred mba programs with the first deadline (CBS) being April 15. I know my total score but not the sectional breakdown. I was wondering what I could do while I wait and how long do these reviews generally take. It's been 5 days (3 business days) since I took the test and am starting to get a little scared.

Thank you!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi spottablefir22,

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. I mean you could reach out to the folks at GMAC, but I don't know if you will be told much. At this point, you may just have to hang tight, and hopefully you will hear back by next week.

Archit3110 · Answer

Waiting for final review is whats best you can do now... things will get clear in few days..

bb · Answer

Hi. We had a video about a few days ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p79e5mOAsk

spottablefir22 · Answer

Score was canceled. Kinda devastated any advice would be great. I'm going to miss a few deadlines and I'm convinced I did nothing wrong. I checked every guideline and don't see a single one violated. Would love some clarity on the issue and any advice. Thanks!

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi spottablefir22,

You can appeal, but the best next step is to take the exam at a test centre after the 16-day gap.

minmin013 · Answer

I just finished my GMAT test at a test center and got 685 in my first attempt, but then I got this mail....

Should I do anything.... Is it a normal procedure, or might my score be cancelled.... I didn't violate any rules...
how can I do now...

We are writing to inform you that your GMAT Focus Edition Test Center exam XXXX on April 16, 2025 has been flagged for administrative review. This review can take up to 20 business days.Once this review has been completed, you will be contacted only if we have any questions concerning your scores. Otherwise you will receive an email that your results are available and can select schools / programs to send your scores.If more than 20 business days has passed, and you have not heard from us or received your results, please contact us at

spottablefir22 · Answer

Hi everyone, just following up on this with an update.

I took the GMAT again at a testing center after they rejected my appeal. I got a 695 again (really funny) and got that score report within a day.

CBS and Sloan both accepted my application with my late scores. Business schools are pretty nice about this stuff. It was a very stressful time because I'm still an undergrad and midterm season was brutal with all this, but it all worked out. I prepped for around 5 hours between these two attempts. If anyone wants my notes/tips, hit me up.

I would say though on my practice exams (official mocks 2,4,5,6) I got 715, 735, 715, 715 and 695 on the actual test. I don't really feel test pressure so I would definitely say the actual exam is slightly harder.

Thanks for your help and good luck!

bb · Answer

Thanks so much for the follow up and feedback!

Great to see and hear you got vindicated!
P.S. I assume they did not refund the money for the first attempt? 😬

spottablefir22 · Answer

bb

They didn't refund my online test, but they did give me a voucher for the test center. I had to pay like $25 more for the online version and I got an uber back so I did end up spending around 40 bucks more.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Did things end up getting settled for you?

bb · Answer

Thank you! That's at least some relief. I was concerned that they gave nothing

yc168 · Answer

Great to hear that things worked out for you in the end.

Best wishes for your application to the deferred programs.

jackharris1201 · Answer

Hey Guys

I took the exam in person yesterday and also got the flagged email almost immediately. Then today, I got an email saying my official score is available. Does that mean the review was concluded, or is that a separate email? Thanks!

bb · Answer

Wow. that was fast. yes, this means you are cleared. Interesting that they are doing so many of these things... something must be up. Nobody just starts reviewing every single score. I mean kudos that they are taking it so seriously but why not just do it behind the scenes without giving a heart attack to most people? Why not say "we will review scores after the test and your score will be available within 5 days" rather than send an email that you are under investigation and the next day say you are free to go. Seems unnecessary stress :-/

jackharris1201 · Answer

I know! My anxiety disorder brain was freaking out all day. Even when I got the email with the official score, I thought "what if this isn't over!" I am happily relieved. Thank you

ADisHere · Answer

I'd be interested to have your notes. Good luck!

divyutdebbie · Answer

There's a lot of scope for improvement when it comes to student experience; for a company of its scale, GMAC does poorly in terms of such experiences.

	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $79 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $325 $200 Discount + $79 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

GMAT score flagged

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards